Argentina captain Emilce Sosa blocked several Dominican Republic spikers on the way to victory

Bydgoszcz, Poland, August 7, 2011 – Argentina defeated the Dominican Republic in five sets (20-25, 25-22, 25-19, 23-25, 15-11) on Sunday to capture their first ever win in FIVB World Grand Prix history in the weekend’s final match in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

Argentina, who are playing in the FIVB World Grand Prix for the first time, had previously lost to Poland and Italy in their opening two games.

2011 FIVB Volleyball World Grand
PrixAugust 5-28

The best scorer on Sunday was Argentina’s Paula Yamila Nzetich with 22 points while Dominican Republic’s Milagros Nunez and Bethania de la Cruz scored 13 points each.Dominican Republic’s coach, Marcos Kwiek decided to make some changes to the roster for this match. Setter Niverka Marte Frica was replaced by the experienced Francia Jackson Cabrera.Dominican Republic started focused and led 8-4 at the first TTO. But spikes of Paula Nzetich and Lucia Fresco tied the scores. Despite taking the lead on one occasion Argentina eventually went down and surrendered the early lead.

Argentina improved their attack in the second and the difference showed. Hundreds of fans were impressed by the Argentinean sacrifice in defense as well as they came from four points behind to draw level at 1-all by winning the set.Dominican Republic failed to find an answer in the third as Argentina pounced on a flurry of unforced errors. The South Americans went on to pick up the set and at least guarantee their first point in the tournament.

But it was not enough as Dominican Republic sent the match to a tie breaker, picking up the fourth. The sides traded blows right up until the final moments in the fourth and Argentina looked like they would catch their rivals. But Priscilla Rivera tied the scores a powerful spike giving Dominican Republic victory 25-23.

Argentina stormed into a quick 5-1 lead in the fifth and then 8-3 when changing court sides. Dominican Republic’s block was still attentive and dangerous but the South Americans decided not to spike with power, but cleverly. They had an advantage in libero Lucia Gaido, who secured many balls after attacks. Lucia Fresco finished the tie-break with an ace giving her team the victoryArgentina stays in Poland for next weekend as they travel to Zielona Gora, while Dominican Republic moves onto Komaki Japan.